John Dudley's Super Bowl pick

Sunday

Feb 5, 2017 at 2:01 AM

By John Dudley john.dudley@timesnews.com

Super Bowl LI

Atlanta Falcons (13-5) vs. New England Patriots (16-2), 6:30 p.m.: Historically in matchups between the No. 1 offense and No. 1 defense, defense prevails. But to do so, the Patriots will have to find a way to neutralize the Falcons' many offensive weapons, beginning with virtually uncoverable wideout Julio Jones. If New England can get a few early stops and Tom Brady has time to work the ball to his slot receivers as effectively as he did against the Steelers, it could be an ugly day for Atlanta's defense. A shootout, meanwhile, would seem to favor the Falcons.